Mount Gambier accommodation: An ultimate guide to the very best stays

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Searching for the perfect Mount Gambier accommodation? From old gaols and boutique hotels to upscale homes, there’s something for every kind of traveller.

You’ve got the spectacular sinkholes noted and the lakes circled, but what to do about locking in that perfect Mount Gambier accommodation? With our pick of the bunch, you’ll be buckled in for the holiday of a lifetime.

Prefer a stay at a local caravan park? Don’t worry, we’ve got a separate list for that too.

1. Mount Gambier Hotel

Say hello to the accommodation option that has it: a central location in the middle of Mount Gambier, affordability, and an Art Deco aesthetic thanks to its extensive renovation.

a spacious bedroom at Mount Gambier Hotel
Mount Gambier Hotel offers a spacious and cosy bed to lay your head.

Established in 1862, at Mount Gambier Hotel you’ll find a total of 16 tastefully decorated and incredibly spacious rooms – 15 of them upstairs including two pooch-friendly superior queen rooms, two family suites, while one two-bedroom suite can be found downstairs.

A decent onsite bistro serves some of the best – and most generous – breakfasts around, while the plentiful parking makes a stay super convenient.

a table-top view of generous breakfast plates at Mount Gambier Hotel
Treat yourself to generously plated breakfasts at Mount Gambier Hotel.

Phone number: (08) 8726 7000

Address: 2 Commercial West Street, Mount Gambier

2. The Barn

There’s little doubt you’ll be heading to The Barn – located less than a 10-minute drive from the centre of Mount Gambier – for a steak (it’s the best in the region), but why not settle in and make a night of your visit?

the exterior of The Barn surrounded by manicured English-style gardens
Surrounded by manicured English-style gardens, The Barn oozes countryside charm.

Featuring generously proportioned suites set among five acres of artfully manicured English-style gardens, accommodation options  – mostly constructed from Mount Gambier Limestone  – are available in a wide variety of configurations to suit every kind of traveller keen on enjoying a quasi-farm experience.

a stack of wine bottles in the storage of The Barn Steakhouse
The Barn Steakhouse features an array of wines from the local wineries of the Limestone Coast. (Image: The Barn)

We love The Farmhouse, a recently rebuilt four-bedroom house with rural views located just 350 metres from The Barn, which also features high-quality amenities including a tennis court, piano bar and 24-hour fitness centre.

the bedroom at The Barn, Mt Gambier
Sleep soundly in the four-bedroom house.

Phone number: (08) 8726 9999

Address: 747 Glenelg River Road, OB Flat

3. Jens Hotel

Falling in love is easy when you’re faced with the romance of a pretty-as-a-picture 19th century facade paying homage to the early days of this, one of Mount Gambier’s oldest hotels.

Upon check-in, you’ll notice that olde-worlde charm is still there, represented by the central staircase (yes, it’s popular with the wedding and school formal set), and the opulent chandelier, but the good news here is that the 15-room Jens Hotel  has all the mod-cons a stay in Mount Gambier requires, including a cafe-style dining area, newly established beer garden and a sports bar.

Halfway through a significant renovation (half the rooms have already been refurbished), there are accommodation options across every price point from premium to budget.

Phone number: (08) 8725 0188

Address: 40 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier

4. The Park Hotel Mount Gambier 

What’s that? Another historic, centrally located hotel? The Park Hotel Mount Gambier , established in 1890, differs from its peers by offering a truly boutique experience, with just three hotel rooms of various sizes available for guests.

a look inside the bedroom of The Park Hotel, Mt Gambier
Stay in one of the boutique suites at The Park Hotel.

A favourite with corporate travellers who value the property for its convenience, the rooms – all featuring that all-important Nespresso machine are located on the second floor, but we love the Matthews Suite, a two-bedroom offering featuring an open gas fireplace and a luxurious spa. Downstairs, the friendly bistro below delivers classic pub meals and weekly specials seven days a week. It even has a drive-through bottle shop boasting the largest selection of Coonawarra wines in town.

two glasses of wine at the bistro of The Park Hotel, Mt Gambier
Head downstairs for a glass or two.

Shared laundry facilities and a communal kitchen are also available on site, making this a convenient property for those longer stays.

the dining interior of the bistro at The Park Hotel, Mt Gambier
The bistro below The Park Hotel also serves classic pub meals.

Phone number: (08) 8726 7500

Address: 163 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier

5. Colhurst House

Sometimes one needs a manor to call one’s own, but if you’re fresh out of luck in the property (and dare we say, inheritance) stakes, you can rent that feeling for a night or two at Colhurst house.

a bathtub and robe hanging inside Colhurst Place, Mount Gambier
Colhurst House has a bathtub to warm up in the cooler months. (Image: Tyrone Ormsby)

An elegant property built in the 1800s surrounded by lush, manicured gardens, Colhurst House is all about romance. Whether you book the dramatic Black Room, the soothing White Room or the Tartan Room, a stay here is entry into a world of whirlpool bathtubs, original fireplaces, and high, ornate ceilings with the building still featuring many of its original touches.

What’s more, even though you’ll feel like you’re miles from anywhere, you’re only mere metres from Mount Gambier’s city centre.

the entrance door of Colhurst Place in Mount Gambier
Step into the graceful manor that is Colhurst House. (Image: Tyrone Ormsby)

Address: 3 Colhurst Place, Mount Gambier

Phone number: (08) 8723 1309

6. The Domes at Mountain Path Meadows

Fancy a night (or two) of staring at the stars from your very own bed? Unplug from technology and say yes to romance with a stay at The Domes at Mountain Path Meadows , two geodesic timber glamping domes set within a 12-acre estate.

a glamping dome at Mountain Path Meadows
The Domes at Mountain Path Meadows come with a woodfired sauna. (Image: @2bcheese)

Set at the base of dormant volcano crater Mount Schank just 15 minutes from Mount Gambier, each dome features its own unique aesthetic, with The Traveller Dome sleeping four in a king-size bed, as well as a queen-size sofa bed, and The Birdcage sleeping four in two queen-size sofa bed configurations.

No need to worry about sharing the space with strangers; the domes are hired as a pair.

an aerial view of The Domes at Mountain Path Meadows
The two geodesic timber glamping domes are set at the foot of Mount Schank. (Image:@vadrouilleursdumonde)

Address: 12 Mountain Path Road, Mount Schank

Phone number: 0413 599 160

7. Mount Gambier Apartments MG Delux

For those who prefer something self-contained and featuring all the mod-cons of home, Mount Gambier Apartments offers a wide range of apartments across Mount Gambier specialising in corporate, long-term, short-term and last-minute bookings.

the bedroom interior of Mount Gambier Apartments MG Delux
Indulge in the alluring comforts of an apartment stay at MG Delux.

MG Delux is perfect for families – or groups of friends – travelling the Limestone Coast together, offering four bedrooms sleeping up to seven guests, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, and for those who are all about enjoying themselves under the sun, an outdoor entertainment area and barbeque.

the kitchen at Mount Gambier Apartments MG Delux
MG Delux comes with a fully equipped kitchen to conveniently prepare meals.

A central location also means everything – including those all-important supermarkets – is right on your very doorstep.

an al fresco seating area at Mount Gambier Apartments MG Delux
The apartment also has an al fresco spot to barbecue.

Phone number: 0409 250 577

Address: Unit 4, 19 Davidson Street, Mount Gambier

8. Comfort Inn The Lakes, Mount Gambier

For those who prefer the rolling hills surrounding the Blue Lake and Valley Lake, the Comfort Inn The Lakes Mount Gambier  is the place that has it all.

the scenic view from The Comfort Inn The Lakes Mount Gambier
The Comfort Inn The Lakes is nestled between rolling hills.

Situated on the edge of the Valley Lake Crater and serving up pretty-as-a-picture views across the city, the property offers a range of rooms for different configurations, including a Honeymoon Suite and a Family Room.

The kids will love the indoor heated pool and spa – not to mention the property’s proximity to the city centre  – while adults will appreciate the onsite guest laundry facilities (sad, but true).

a spacious bedroom suite with a floor-to-ceiling window at Comfort Inn The Lakes Mount Gambier
Wake up to picturesque views across the city.

Phone number: (08) 8725 5755

Address: 17 Lake Terrace West, Mount Gambier

9. Abode Accommodations

Introducing the perfect holiday home that has the lot: a gas wood fire and ducted heating (perfect for those cold winter days), a large pergola area with a Weber Q for those sunny days when you want to enjoy the warm Limestone Coast weather, and of course, all the mod cons indoors required for the ultimate getaway.

a living room with a fireplace at Abode Accommodations, Mt Gambier
Cosy up by the fireplace to keep warm on cold winter days.

Located in central Mount Gambier just five minutes from local restaurants, supermarkets, pubs and shops, Abode Accommodations ’ newly renovated property features TVs in each bedroom so every member of the family has an opportunity to switch off and relax within their own space.

a modern bathroom with a tub at Abode Accommodations, Mt Gambier
Luxuriate in your private tub.

Phone number: 0411 616 301

Address: 149 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier

10. Kilsby Sinkhole & Accommodation

For decades Kilsby Sinkhole  has been celebrated as THE place to dive and snorkel, but those keen to stay in the serene Moorah area (a 15-minute drive from Mount Gambier) a little longer will be thrilled to learn that the folks behind the famous sinkhole have just thrown open the doors to their all-new accommodation offering.

the Kilsby Sinkhole & Accommodation
Book a stay next to the Kilsby Sinkhole. (Image: Ockert LeRoux)

Situated on private farmland just beside the sinkhole, their range of two-bedroom villas come equipped with every modern amenity possible, including beautifully appointed kitchens and feature a large barbeque area complete with a rustic fire pit in the common area.

the outdoor deck at Kilsby Sinkhole & Accommodation
While away the afternoon on the outdoor deck overlooking the farmland. (Image: Matilda Jones)

Designed to cater for all groups, whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family or a larger group of up to six. For groups of up to 10, you can even book Flexi Villa 1 and Flexi Villa 2 and unlock the dividing common door to share the space under the same roof.

farm animals grazing in the field at Kilsby Sinkhole & Accommodation
See farm animals grazing in the field. (Image: Matilda Jones)

Address: 525 Sisters Road, Moorak

Phone number: 0408 826 355

11. Old Mount Gambier Gaol

If you’re looking for something quirky, this might be it. Built around 1866, most of the rooms at Old Mount Gambier Gaol were once cells, each space sitting at some six metres by four metres. Of course, now that they’re hotel rooms, this means they’re a little smaller than average, but then again, there’s also a sense of, ‘Boy, if these walls could talk’.

two people entering Old Mount Gambier Gaol at night
Come to Old Mount Gambier Gaol for the heritage. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

For those who aren’t so thrilled about staying in a former cell, another option presents itself in the form of a Family Dorm Room, four spaces which were once used as offices, medical rooms and the original kitchen of the gaol, or you can even book one of two onsite cottages.

It’s the ultimate opportunity to delve deep into Mount Gambier’s history.

kids exploring around Old Mount Gambier Gaol
The accommodation can be a great learning experience for your kids as they glimpse into the past. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Address: 25 Margaret Street, Mount Gambier

Phone number: (08) 8723 0032

12. A Place to Call Home Mount Gambier

It’s the name that grabs you first of all, sure, but once you see A Place to Call Home Mount Gambier , a four-bedroom holiday home nested in a quiet, tree-lined street, you’ll understand exactly why the property was given this title.

the kitchen at A Place to Call Home Mount Gambier
A stay at this humble abode feels like home.

Featuring all the creature comforts you could ever need for your time in Mount Gambier (fully equipped kitchen, gas log heater and an enclosed alfresco area), the quaint property designed with a charming cottage aesthetic can comfortably sleep up to six guests.

A Place to Stay Mount Gambier accommodation
The charming white exterior of the home.

Extra points for the gargantuan backyard which features a fire-pit area, undercover ‘beer garden’ and plenty of space for ball games, making this the perfect property to book with kids.

the seating area at the beer garden of A Place to Call Home Mount Gambier
Breathe in fresh air at the beer garden.

Phone number: 0408 854 662

Address: 33 Lindsay Street, Mount Gambier

Travelling in the area? Check out our list of awe-inspiring things to do in Mount Gambier.
Dilvin Yasa
Dilvin Yasa is a freelance journalist, author and TV presenter whose travels have taken her from the iceberg graveyards of Antarctica to the roaring rapids of Uganda. Always on the lookout for that next unforgettable meal, wildlife moment or 80s-themed nightclub, she is inexplicably drawn to polar destinations despite detesting the cold.
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How to turn a summer weekend into an unforgettable cruise holiday

Why settle for another landlocked weekend away when you could spend a thrilling few days sipping cocktails poolside with friends and family, taking in a Broadway-style musical, and having once-in-a-lifetime adventures—all without leaving Australia?

Royal Caribbean’s summer 2025/26 season packs all the excitement and variety of a cruise holiday into a new lineup of weekend getaways. There’s something for everyone on board, from your mum who just wants to relax at a spa to your adrenaline-junkie mate who is keen to skydive in a simulator on the deck. With two world-class ships making debut voyages from Brisbane and Sydney, there’s never been a better time to plan the ultimate short getaway with a Royal Caribbean Australia cruise.

Why cruise?

Royal Caribbean Weekend Cruises cruising from Australia.
The ultimate adventure, close to home.

On a short cruise holiday, you’ll set sail with zero planning stress, booking drama, or traffic woes, knowing your itinerary is jam-packed with fine dining and adventure (or relaxation, if that’s more your vibe). And everyone’s needs will be catered to, from your parents to your gourmand partner to your toddler niece. All main meals* and most onboard activities are seamlessly included in your fare, from Royal Caribbean Entertainment to the Adventure Ocean® Kids’ Club.

The ship

Boy rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak on Royal Caribbean Weekend Cruises, excitement, thrills, effort, challenge, fun.
Scale new heights at sea with onboard rock climbing.

 

Sailing from Sydney for the first time, Anthem of the Seas® is an award-winning ship. It boasts 360-degree views from its thrilling North Star® observation capsule – the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship, anywhere, stretching an astonishing 91 meters above the ocean. And it offers tailored adventures for families and friend groups alike. 

Thrill-seekers can on the FlowRider® Surf Simulator, or try out the bumper cars. For those looking to chill, relax poolside at the adults-only Solarium with a cocktail in hand. Experience some culture and show-stopping entertainment with a Broadway-style production of We Will Rock You.

Or set sail aboard Voyager of the Seas® , making her debut voyages from Brisbane this summer with a turbo-charged slate of activities, including mini golf and ice skating, as well as The Perfect Storm℠ – a three-storey high-speed waterslide.

Onboard activities

meal at giovannis on a royal caribbean ship
The onboard dining scene is legendary.

Royal Caribbean’s onboard dining scene rivals what you’d find in any top global city, bringing top chefs and inventive flavours from around the world right to your ship’s deck. From Japanese sushi bars to old-world Italian joints, late-night cafes, private room service and five-course, white-tableclothed Chef’s Table culinary journeys, there’s something to suit every mood and palate.

For those craving relaxation, the Vitality℠ Spa and Fitness Centre offers a full menu of massages, facials, hair and nails, teeth whitening and even medi-spa treatments to plump skin and smooth wrinkles. Not to mention state-of-the-art gym facilities. Or take in the pristine views at the adults-only Solarium, a serene retreat space featuring tranquil pools and whirlpools.

Meanwhile, the thrill-seekers in your group can pack more adrenaline into three or four nights than most holidays do in a week. Royal Caribbean’s signature RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator* delivers the singular rush of a freefall without ever boarding a plane. And the 12-metre-long FlowRider® surf simulator lets everyone from beginner boogie-boarders to advanced shredders catch a wave without ever leaving the deck. Launch yourself down a multi-story waterslide against a backdrop of ocean views or grab the whole crew for Battle for Planet Z℠*, a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience. Top it all off with rock climbing, ice skating, pickleball, or a game of basketball on the sports court. 

When night falls, the drama amps up with a slate of award-winning shows: We Will Rock You, the Queen musical playing on board Anthem of the Seas®, or Ice Odyssey, a dazzling and futuristic spectacle performed on Voyager of the Seas® ’ very own ice rink. Or bar hop before catching some live music, a comedy show, a silent disco, an outdoor film night, and so much more.

Where can you sail?

people snorkelling on a day trip with royal caribbean cruises
Snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef.

Departing from Brisbane, take a four-night getaway to stunning Airlie Beach, Queensland on board Voyager of the Seas®. Along the way, spend time immersed in Airlie Beach, where you can take a Segway tour, hop on a glass-bottom boat and try an ocean rafting eco-adventure. Book a Shore Excursion and take a trip to the Whitsunday Islands for snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, or hike to secluded beaches in Molle National Park.

If you prefer to depart from Sydney, hop on board Anthem of the Seas® for a five-night holiday to Hobart, Tasmania. You’ll spend time docked in Hobart experiencing Tasmania’s other-worldly beauty and famous culinary scene, from hikes and horse rides on Mount Wellington to strolls through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens to winery tours in the countryside and up-close encounters with Tasmanian devils.

Days at sea are a chance to create your own adventure and savour it all, from the ships’ astonishing breadth of dining experiences and activities to the serenity of the open seas to unhurried moments with loved ones – the most memorable part of any holiday.

Book a short getaway that everyone will love (and don’t compromise on forever memories) at RoyalCaribbean.com.au.

*T&Cs apply. Specialty dining and select beverages and some activities incur an additional cost. Activities vary by ship.